Observations from a Dad of twin 3 year olds who just came back.

[opus_00]

I enjoyed reading your post. Despite the fact that you didn't get to do as much as you would have without the kids, don't underestimate the value of the trip to your young children. My father took me to WDW (just the two of us...mom stayed home with my baby sister) when I was a little older than your twins (I was about 5). To this day, it is one of the best memories I have. Despite the fact that it was 30 years ago, my memories of that trip are almost as clear as those of some trips I have had as an adult. Maybe it was just the magic of spending that special time with my dad. Maybe it was also that we spent the whole trip doing pretty much whatever I wanted to do. If I wanted to go on Pirates 10 times in a row (which I did, and I remember doing), then that's what we did!

Yes, point #1 is a very good one. I would never do that. Sorry it ruined your trip.

Cherish those memories of your kids' first trip to Disney!

Paula (possibly going back in Feb. with my 2 and 4 yo)

 

[DisneyMom23Boys]

Originally posted by Papa Deuce
17. They say October is a "slow" season..... you can't prove it by me! Most rides had 25 minute waits without fast pass. I saw some with a 40 minute wait.

We went over Columbus Day week in 2000 and have to agree that Columbus week is one of the most unpublicized crowded weeks during "off-season" in Sept-Oct. Many families choose this week to vacation, because school's are out 1-2 days & some in Florida are off for the entire week!! This was when the Fenjai golf classic was held the same week, but now that's moved to this coming week. Also, many families who had planned to vacation in September may have moved their trips back to October, because of cancelations caused by the numerous hurricanes this season.

Sorry you had probs with #1, but hope that you made wonderful memories with your family.

Have a super weekend!

Deb

P.S. 5 more WDW dream-filled nights until our dreams become reality!! 1st MNSSHP here we come!!

 

[Alysa]

Your post made me laugh - we took our whole family in 2001 and swore never again and what are we doing in 2005? Right.
But really, who goes to Disney for "value for money"? I just keep whispering under my breath to my DH when I hear those little groans when bills arrive "it's expensive here, admit it, get past it, thanks for bringing us babe, I love you!"

P.S. Dads suck at babysitting - but no one loves the baby more! When we got home from the movies last week he said "She didn't let me do much of my crossword!"
Dad, she's not yet two!

 

[TJA]

I enjoyed reading your tips, and I was especially interested because we also have twin girls. They will be 19 months old next month when we go to Disney. We've already taken them to Disney two times before this! Isn't it wild with twins at Disney? Mine have not reached the terrible 2's (or is it 3's?) yet, but it's pretty wild at Disney with 2 babies! Lots of fun and great memories!

Question -- why did you bring 2 strollers and not a double stroller? Just wondering for my future reference as I'm sure we'll be taking our twins to Disney when they're 3 like yours. Are kids at 3 years old generally too big for a double stroller? I have a Graco duo glider that works wonderfully at WDW. Maybe your girls are on different schedules and you thought you and your wife might split up? Thus, 2 strollers would work better.

Thanks! Any tips re twins at Disney would be great. Like I said, we are pros at the baby stage, but as they get older, we will need some advice.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Originally posted by TJA
I
Question -- why did you bring 2 strollers and not a double stroller? Just wondering for my future reference as I'm sure we'll be taking our twins to Disney when they're 3 like yours. Are kids at 3 years old generally too big for a double stroller?

Our double stroller is HUGE. So since we flew to disney we didn't want to bring it. Also 2 strollers allows for each of us to take 1 and go if we want to.

 

[TJA]

Thanks. We'll probably consider taking 2 strollers as our girls get older. For this age though, our Graco duo glider works out great. We fly too, but have not found our stroller to be inconvenient. It is inconvenient, though, on the buses. Which is why we now stay at monorail resorts.....

 

[MELSMICE]

Originally posted by Papa Deuce
13. I don't care what Disney says about Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party having a limited number of tickets sold..... this place was JAM PACKED! By far and away the busiest of any park we visited during our 10 day trip. I was really looking forward to this but the crowded conditions took away a lot of the fun. And even my wife, who really enjoyed almost the entire trip, thought that the parade was a weak effort.

With the exception of myself, you are the 1st person who has not been totally thrilled with this - although mine was Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Celebration.

We could not believe how crowded the parks was. So much so, that our entire party (I think 10 of us) went to City Hall & got a refund. We couldn't see a show, all the lines said 10 minute wait, but were out the doors when we would walk past. Finally, after waiting for Buzz for 30 minutes (said 10 minute wait) we said forget it & went to "voice our opinions". They were very nice about it, but I have to say that I would never do it again.

Other people love it, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, but to each their own, I guess!

Anyway, you have some good tips for others with young twins (We've been there & done that - with an older sibling in tow too! )

 

[3MouseMom]

I liked your post. We've "met up" with my parents at WDW before, and even that was way too much for my DH!

I agree with the poster about the Bugs Life movie--imo, this isn't a good movie for many kids. When my DS was 10, this one freaked him out. He is a little bug phobic, but there were LOTS of kids quite upset.

DS is not scared of anything else (he'll do any upside down, twisiting, 400 foot tall roller coaster at Cedar Point), but don't let a bug get near him!

 

[Papa Deuce]

Originally posted by 3MouseMom

I agree with the poster about the Bugs Life movie--imo, this isn't a good movie for many kids. When my DS was 10, this one freaked him out. He is a little bug phobic, but there were LOTS of kids quite upset.

!

It was our fault. We didn't read up on this ride and it was the first ride we came to. We weren't planning on even going to Animal Kingdom so we had no idea what to expect.

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

Hi Papa Deuce!
I'm sorry about the cloudy spots in what could have been a sunny WDW trip. I'd like to offer some encouragement to try it again someday, it really can be magical. I have taken very young children to WDW several times. My oldest was 3 and the baby was 22 months on their first trips.

Originally posted by Papa Deuce
All real, some serious, some funny.


1. NEVER, EVER, include an in-law you don't like, and doesn't like you, to stay with you no matter how much your spouse wants to.... Seriosuly don't do it. I did and it mostly ruined my stay. ***I had a very similar experience with in-laws and we learned our lesson well. So well that I have a hard time going out to dinner with them now***

2. When it is hot --- over 90 --- like it was when I was there last week, realize that if you have kids under 5, they will be wiped out from the heat. Count on short days at the park, or at best, 2 short sessions daily. My kids were 3 and really did not do well at Disney on most days, primarily due to heat. ***I agree totally with the above poster about Jan.-Feb. trips for very young children. We have gone during the summer the past few years as well, but we are from the south and, I think, handle humidity and heat well. We also freeze water bottles and bring them with us, bring a baggie of ice and washcloths to cool the girls, when an adult rides a big ride one of us sits in a shady area with them and has a drink or snack (for M:S, my girls waited in the benches under the innoventions walk-thru). ***

3. Yes, you will buy Disney souveineers, but realize that you pay a whole heck of a lot more for them on a Disney property, than you will off Disney property. For example, a cashier told me that the Alladin DVD was $24.99 at Disney. I paid $15.99 at Best Buy. ***The Disney outlets at Orlando Premium Outlet and Belz are great for finding souvenirs at a MUCH cheaper price. We found some great T's for $9, mugs for $2, etc. At some times they have more that interests me than others, but it has always been worth the trip. This July (yes we went in July!) I bought a great two tone Tink watch for a little under $25!***

4. Don't do too many character meals IMO. Overpriced, and the kids start to take them for granted. ***Agreed. On our first trip we had 4, I think, over 5 days! Too much. This trip we had 2 over 8 nites. Much better!***

5. I, personally, hated the Hoop De Doo thing, but my kids absolutley loved it. A true highlight for them. However, be aware that the menu was VERY limited --- fried chicken, ribs, salad, baked beans ( terrible IMO ), and beverages. Only beer was Bud. Not vey much for real little ones to eat. In fact my kids don't eat ANY of what they served. Fortunately our waiter went to the buffet next door and got them some french fries. ***Never did Hoop-de-doo, and we've been 9 times. Just not something we were interested in.***

6. Sometimes your kids surprise you. My kids went to Blizzard Beach and rode the water slides all by themselves. I never thought that at age 3 they could handle that, but they handled it extremely well. ***Haven't been to BB but my girls were wild over TL and even the baby was loving the bigger slides!***

7. Stay away from the supermarket at "The Marketplace" on 192, just below rt. 545. They were about 50% more expensive than they should have been. I went just a little further west on 192 and found a Publix ( brand new, it seems ) with normal prices. ***We like the Publix too. It is near the Premium outlets that I mentioned above.***

8. If you want Pizza, I would try Giordanno's at the marketplace. We tried their famous stuffed pizza..... but be aware that it take 40 minutes to cook one. YIKES! ***Thanks for the tip***

9. You can never be sure what will upset you little ones. We went to "It's Tough to be a Bug" and it freaked both of my kids out. But we went to Mickey's Philharmagic and they both loved it. Similar style shows. ***ITTBAB it very intense and my 5 year old has just now been able to take watching it!***

10. Here is a cool way to see fireworks. We ate dinner at the Grand Floridian and then just rode the boat all night that boarded from down at Nicosee's. ***Love the boat!***

11. Not all "buffets" are created equal. The Disney Princess breakfast at EPCOT was really just unlimited amounts of potatoes, eggs, sausage and bacon, served in a huge frying pan. On the other hand, the dinner at Crystal Palace, with all the Pooh characters, had a true buffet, with tons of choices. BTW the meal with Pooh was a lot of fun. All the kids had a parade with Pooh, Eyore, Piglet.... after dinner and it was really fun to watch. ***The Princess breakfasts (Akershus and Cinderella Castle) are preplated meals and are described that way by Dining. They are not considered buffets, but all-you-can-eats.***

12. Take as much video and as many photos as you want to, but don't let it get in the way of having fun. ***Good tip, but when I get home I never feel like I have taken enough***

13. I don't care what Disney says about Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party having a limited number of tickets sold..... this place was JAM PACKED! By far and away the busiest of any park we visited during our 10 day trip. I was really looking forward to this but the crowded conditions took away a lot of the fun. And even my wife, who really enjoyed almost the entire trip, thought that the parade was a weak effort. ***Never been during one of the holiday times that these parties are offered***

14. Disney has some great employees. ( and some not so great ). But when one of the ladies giving out candy at MNSSHP found out that my one daughter doesn't like chocolate, she went and found something at another ladies area and brought it back to my daughter. Very nice, and very appreicated by me. ***The CMs have the ability to spread the pixie dust***

15. At EPCOT, the only things my daughters really enjoyed was the boat ride Mexico, and making the masks at the different countries. ***My girls enjoy the performances in WS, SSE, JIYI,the Land, Living Seas, the characters in the different countries, and eating in WS and now since they are big enough TT, Maelstrom, and M:S!***

16. I am certainly glad we rented a house rather than staying on site. It was great to get into your own pool at midnight after the kids went to bed. Plus it was FAR CHEAPER. $775 a week. And only 9 minutes to Disney if traffic was light. And because you can eat some home cooked meals that saved a lot of money too. ***We are on-site people. DH considers the Swan/Dolphin too far away! LOL! I have looked into All-Star Homes and would like to try them one day. The convenience of onsite is worth it to us. The disocunts that are offered make onsite a lot more affordable than most people think.***

17. They say October is a "slow" season..... you can't prove it by me! Most rides had 25 minute waits without fast pass. I saw some with a 40 minute wait. ***That is pretty slow compared to what I have been used to on our last trips! PP with an 80 minute wait unless you are there at opening. That is the trick FP and be on hand when the gates open.***

18. The Dumbo ride is the biggest waste of time.... My wife waited for 25 - 30 minutes and I think the ride lasted less than 2 minutes. Still, my kids loved it. Yours probably will too. ***I agree, when the girls want to ride something like that we go to Magic Carpets. Same thing and MUCH shorter wait. I think in 9 trips to WDW we have ridden Dumbo twice! Now I can't count how many times we have ridden PP or IASW or Buzz or.....***

19. If you can, disregard thinking about finances. What I mean is, with little ones, like my 3 year old twins, you can't expect to get "value" from the cost of your tickets. You won't be able to do everything you want them to do, let alone anything you think you might enjoy ( from an adult's perspective ). For instance, I hardly did anything at EPCOT, including Mission Space, one of the things I really wanted to do. We didn't do Tower of Terror at MGM. No Space Mountain...... we focused on trying to let the kids have fun at the expense of our doing what we wanted. At the end of the day you realize that you didn't do very much considering the price of admission. ***I think this is in the eye of the beholder. I could go to MK with my girls, visit characters, watch shows, ride some A ticket rides, see the parade, and Wishes and feel like I got my "value" out of it. To me it is just fun being there. The atmosphere, the fun, I love every part! If I didn't spend the money here, then it would be spent on something else that would not result in great memories and wonderful feelings! I will spend it there. What is it? $50? That is worth it to me.***

20. Please, I beg of you, with all my heart..... re-read point number 1!

Overall we had a good time. My kids definitely enjoyed much of DW. And I don't think that they will be forgetting it any time soon. But from a "bang for buck" perspective, Disney with real young kids is very disappointing.

***I feel the "bang" every day, when I see those pics around my house, on my desk, when my 5 year old says "I want to go back to see Belle show. It was closed when we were there!" I see a little of the magic every day!!! Yay!!!

 

[Ambassador]

We too learned the IL Lesson the hard way. As has been noted here many times, any group will have competing ideas and plans. We have found it is best to let everyone do their own thing, and get together on a few occassions or impromptu.

I also notice that next time you will have to buy two Child Passes for the 2x DD's Papa Deuce; see #19.

 

[laceemouse]

Papa, just had to say I agree with you about MNSSHP. We went on 10/08 and it was packed! We had fun, it just was not the "wow" that I expected. The parade was a let down for me too, after a looong, crowded wait. I disagree about EPCOT, 2 of my kids have always called it their favorite. As far as travelling with family, I hear ya! I just like to make plans and tell my DH and 4 kids where to go and what to do. If we go with family, splitting up is a MUST!!!! We LOVE staying on-site so much we joined DVC.....to each his own.....Lacee

 

[Jasminesmommy]

Adults need naps too. My husband and I left during the day for naps and the kids stayed wide awake.

 

[momloveson]

Thanks Papp for this thread. I appreciate all the info. I'm planning myself silly for our 8 days at WDW because I know it will be our only JUST FAMILY vacation for a few years. Usually we spend all of our vacations with INLAWS and it gets pretty dang old. We go every year to Busch Gardens, Wmsbrg and stay with them. While it IS handy to have them look after our boy a little (thankfully they haven't left him in a parking lot) , I'm always soooo glad to be home.

Other questions for everyone w/ 3-5 year olds?

We'll be staying on-site for 8 days. 3 at Pop Cent. and 5 at Port Orleans French Quarter. We have 4 days of hopping to do because I know I just wont hold out going every day. We're planning on spending a lot of time at the pool at FQ. From this post, I know to plan on DTD and some lego place (where is that exactly?) Any other suggestions as MUST DO's for a 4 year old Boy that are outside of the parks? DH wants to do DQuest, I'm wondering if son will have info overload. Like another poster, I'm familiar with Dave and Busters. Are there a lot of things my 41" son won't be able to do?

Since we're staying on site, but not going to the parks every day, is it worth it to leave the parks to eat on the off days? Or is it a big hassle? We're driving from the Midwest, so I don't want to spend ridiculous time in the car. If so, has anyone used coupons sucessfully offsite?

We usually bring our big convertable bike stroller w/us to Busch. Its always been convenient and we're quite comfortable leaving it at the train station or the gondolas w/out fear of theft. I question being able to do this though at Disney. Has anyone had good luck using a simple umbrella stroller or is it hard to lug stuff around w/out having the standard stroller holders and cubbies?

Week of Nov 12 should we expecct very hot weather? Does anyone know if it is "really" slow in Nov? We're intentionally hitting and leaving BEFORE thanksgiving (w/the exception of the weekend before) to try to avoid lines as much as possible. I have a very difficult time standing for long periods of time. In another thread several people suggested renting a wheelchair, but DH won't go for that. I've heard that using the early admission from the resorts is the way to go on the days you can becuase you can get rides in pretty quickly, but then I've also heard that you should avoid these same parks on early admit days becuase they are busier. Since we've got a park hopper we could always go to another park after early admit. Anyone else do that?

Did any of ya'll with WEE ones go to boma (think that's the name) for breakfast? My son is quite adventurous with food and as long as they had some standby's I think it would be ok. BUT I wonder if it is not "fun" enough for a 4 year old. For those that also like to be food adventurous, do you think it's worth the money or way overpriced? (understand I'm talking about "worth the money" with the idea that this is DW and everything is expensive).

Finally, has anyone found a GREAT book on Disney that they really like? I've checked out " Unofficial Disney 2004" from the Library, but some of the info is already outdated.

Finally, is it really true that we can check in to our hotel as early as we want (even before 3) and swim at the pool? That seems awesome. And at the PO French Quarter (a moderate) do they have free use of a fridge?

Thanks for reading and I really do appreciate all the help I'm getting on this site.

 

[MELSMICE]

We'll be staying on-site for 8 days. 3 at Pop Cent. and 5 at Port Orleans French Quarter. We have 4 days of hopping to do because I know I just wont hold out going every day. We're planning on spending a lot of time at the pool at FQ. From this post, I know to plan on DTD and some lego place (where is that exactly?) Any other suggestions as MUST DO's for a 4 year old Boy that are outside of the parks? DH wants to do DQuest, I'm wondering if son will have info overload. Like another poster, I'm familiar with Dave and Busters. Are there a lot of things my 41" son won't be able to do?

You really can't miss the Lego Place when you are at DTD. It is fairly close to World of Disney & pretty much right in the middle of the whole DTD area.

As far as DQuest - I wouldn't take a 4 yr. old. Many of the games are interactive & you need to sit or stand. I don't think a 4 yr. old would be tall enough of these games.

Since we're staying on site, but not going to the parks every day, is it worth it to leave the parks to eat on the off days? Or is it a big hassle? We're driving from the Midwest, so I don't want to spend ridiculous time in the car . If so, has anyone used coupons sucessfully offsite?

I wouldn't leave the parks to eat on the days you are in them. Because you plan on hopping for 4 days, you can eat outside the parks on the other days that you are not in the parks. I think you will spend a lot of time getting to & from somewhere on your park days. There are many nice counter sercive, along with sit down restaurants inside the parks

We usually bring our big convertable bike stroller w/us to Busch. Its always been convenient and we're quite comfortable leaving it at the train station or the gondolas w/out fear of theft. I question being able to do this though at Disney. Has anyone had good luck using a simple umbrella stroller or is it hard to lug stuff around w/out having the standard stroller holders and cubbies?

I think only you can decide which stroller you want to take. When our DD's were younger we always just took the umbrella stroller. We never took too much into the parks so it was fine for us. We would carry a small bag & hang it on the back of the stoller with some snacks & drinks for them. I guess it all depends on how much "stuff" you want to take.

Week of Nov 12 should we expecct very hot weather? Does anyone know if it is "really" slow in Nov? We're intentionally hitting and leaving BEFORE thanksgiving (w/the exception of the weekend before) to try to avoid lines as much as possible. I have a very difficult time standing for long periods of time. In another thread several people suggested renting a wheelchair, but DH won't go for that. I've heard that using the early admission from the resorts is the way to go on the days you can becuase you can get rides in pretty quickly, but then I've also heard that you should avoid these same parks on early admit days becuase they are busier. Since we've got a park hopper we could always go to another park after early admit. Anyone else do that?

Obviously, it is nowhere near as busy as Easter & Christmas, but you will still encounter some crowds. We will be arriving the 5th - leaving the 13th. We have gone this week for the past few years now. The weather has been generally comfortable - some hot days & some cooler & overcast. The weekend of the 13th & 14th is Super Soaps Weekend at MGM. The park gets crowded, but honestly, most of the people are there to see the SOAP stars.

As far as EE - I would suggest taking advantage of getting in early & then as soon as the park seems to get crowded, maybe take a break for lunch or a snack or hop on over to another park. The majority (but not all) of people start arriving between 10 & 11 a.m.

Did any of ya'll with WEE ones go to boma (think that's the name) for breakfast? My son is quite adventurous with food and as long as they had some standby's I think it would be ok. BUT I wonder if it is not "fun" enough for a 4 year old. For those that also like to be food adventurous, do you think it's worth the money or way overpriced? (understand I'm talking about "worth the money" with the idea that this is DW and everything is expensive).

Never been to Boma for breakfast - only for dinner. For the price, you may want to consider a character breakfast. We have always enjoyed Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort, but there are many others to choose from.

Finally, has anyone found a GREAT book on Disney that they really like? I've checked out " Unofficial Disney 2004" from the Library, but some of the info is already outdated.

I have always found useful information in the Unofficial Guide - I believe that the 2005 edition is out now. Have you looked at the Birnbaum's Official Guide.

Finally, is it really true that we can check in to our hotel as early as we want (even before 3) and swim at the pool? That seems awesome. And at the PO French Quarter (a moderate) do they have free use of a fridge?

You can check into your hotel at any time & swim, but your room may not be ready. I have heard that the deluxe & moderate resorts are making small refrigerators standard in their rooms, but I'm not sure if they all have them or not yet.

I think my only suggestion would be to get a 5 or 6 day park hopper instead of 4. I realize there are only 4 parks & you may be figuring one park per day, but believe me - you will not see nearly everything at all the parks in just one day. There is just too much to see & do - & with a 4-yr old you pretty much have to go at their pace. You may want to take another day or 2 to go back & see some of the things you may have missed or things you may want to do over. JMO! Plus - those park days never expire so you can use them 10 years down the road if you return.

Good luck planning!

 

[Papa Deuce]

Originally posted by laceemouse
Papa, just had to say I agree with you about MNSSHP. We went on 10/08 and it was packed! We had fun, it just was not the "wow" that I expected. The parade was a let down for me too, after a looong, crowded wait. I disagree about EPCOT, 2 of my kids have always called it their favorite. As far as travelling with family, I hear ya! I just like to make plans and tell my DH and 4 kids where to go and what to do. If we go with family, splitting up is a MUST!!!! We LOVE staying on-site so much we joined DVC.....to each his own.....Lacee

10/8.... same day we were there! I had hoped, and was led to believe, by people at our Disney store, that because of limited tickets sold, that the place would be wide open. Far from it.... glad I'm not the only one who felt this way.

MNSSHP. was easily the biggest diappointment in our 10 days, father in law excluded!

 

[BevS97]

Personally, I would go to the parks more days, but for shorter days - it IS more expensive, I can't deny that, but we find it much more relaxing and we feel less stressed. If we only had 4 park days I would feel obligated to make those days really long to cram everything else. We are much happier with going more often for shorter days (the APs really help with this plan)

 

[MELSMICE]

Originally posted by Papa Deuce
MNSSHP. was easily the biggest diappointment in our 10 days, father in law excluded!

As was the Christmas party when we went. Others love it. Different strokes for different folks I guess!

 

[FOV]

Momloveson - melsmice did an excellent job answering your questions.

I agree 1000% to upgrade your hopper to 5 or 6 days. I don't think you will be happy with the 4-day hopper - there is sooo much to see and do in each of the parks 4 days is NOT enough.

We will be in Disney around the same time as you Nov. 8 - 14. Check www.weather.com before you leave. It is a nice time to go. We are going that time because my kids will be out of school for Veterans Day so that may impact the crowds a little but it is still considered "slow season." I have never been to Disney when there weren't line - even the first weeks of December!

Papa - we have been to Disney when our kids were 3 - although I don't have twins! The first time - when my dd was 3 - dh and I didn't do any thrill rides for the same reason you mentioned. Gave us a great excuse to go back! If you go back when the kids are 5 (without your f-i-l) you will have a totally different experience! Consider staying on site.

As for the "value" of Disney - I just dropped $533 on 4 tickets to a broadway show that only lasts a few hours. That makes Disney sound like a bargain!

 

[kpossible]

I agree with point #1. I like to plan vacations with just DH and the kids. Going on vacations with other family or friends becomes stressful because it is no longer your vacation but a trip where you always have to compromise. When vacations are far and few between I think its ok to be selfish and plan it the way you want. I think its best not to tell people you are going months ahead of time because then you worry they will invite themselves. I could not spend all that money and have someone else dictate my vacation. I know it's different for everyone and some people love to travel with huge groups. That's what great about vacations you can plan them the way you want!